Proof of Usefulness Report

Novai

Analysis completed on 2/9/2026

+322
Proof of Usefulness Score
Certified Problem Solver

Novai demonstrates strong potential as a clinical-stage biotech company with verifiable IP (DARC) and significant claimed contract revenue (£4.2M). The project addresses a critical medical need (early blindness/neurodegeneration detection) with high technical innovation (biologic + AI). However, the submission quality is mixed; while the description is professional and detailed, the form fields contain inaccuracies (e.g., 'FrostKeeper' name, 'everyone' audience, 'most people have used my product'), suggesting poor attention to detail in the application process. The score reflects a high-value technology venture comparable to established brands, adjusted for the confusing data entry.

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Score Breakdown

Real World Utility+110.4
Audience Reach Impact+19.2
Technical Innovation+85.5
Evidence Of Traction+63.0
Market Timing Relevance+36.0
Functional Completeness+2.0
Subtotal+316.1
Usefulness Multiplierx1.02
Final Score+322

Project Details

Project URL
Description
Early Detection Prevents Blindness and Disability: Novai is on a mission to combat blindness and disability by pioneering early detection and intervention for eye and brain diseases. At the heart of Novai's innovation is the DARC technology (Detection of Apoptosing Retinal Cells), a novel combination of a proprietary biologic and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Eye is a Window on to the Brain: DARC stands alone as the sole technology with the ability to observe single cell stress and programmed cell death in the retina. This breakthrough positions DARC as the go-to biomarker to inform clinical decision-making in both ophthalmic and neurodegenerative diseases such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetes, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's. Expertise, Experience and Traction: The company boasts an expert and experienced leadership and advisory team, strong IP rights, and a clear strategy targeting a $40 billion market. Novai has generated £4.2 million from signed sales contracts, contributing to drug development and risk mitigation for Pharma companies using DARC. Series A for Mainstream Adoption: With £4.5 million in investments and £3.3 million in non-dilutive funding secured, Novai is currently on a fundraising drive to raise an additional £10 million towards approval of its use in clinic. DARC has been developed by Professor M Francesca Cordeiro at University College London through Wellcome Trust funding and is now approved as an exploratory biomarker by the FDA & MHRA. Novai is headquartered in Reading, UK. For more information, please visit our website www.novai.co.uk

Algorithm Insights

Market Position
Strong market validation with clear user adoption patterns
User Engagement
Documented reach suggests active user community
Technical Stack
Modern tech stack aligned with sponsor technologies

Recommendations to Increase Usefulness Score

Document User Growth

Provide specific metrics on user acquisition and retention rates

Showcase Revenue Model

Detail sustainable monetization strategy and current revenue streams

Expand Evidence Base

Include testimonials, case studies, and third-party validation

Technical Roadmap

Share development milestones and feature completion timeline